Solar-supported heating networks in multi-storey residential buildings

The aim of this book is to present a holistic approach to the planning, implementation and
management of solar-supported heating networks in multi-storey residential buildings. In the short
term, the declared goal has to be to define solar-supported heating networks as a standard for new
multi-storey residential buildings and to step up activities with regard to existing buildings. After all,
every renovation (structural engineering or facility management) that does not employ a solar system
represents a lost opportunity, in terms of reducing the operating costs and C02 emissions, until the
next renovation (generally a period of several decades).
Figure 3: 274 m² solar thermal collector area produced by an Austrian manufacturer on a housing
estate with 197 apartments (picture source: Kappei SOLAR FUTURE TECHNIK, Germany).
The high technical standard of modern solar-supported heating networks means there is no reason to
delay a decision in favour of a solar thermal system. Moreover, the impending shortage in the global
energy supply and the already tense situation with regard to the global climate as a result of burning
fossil fuels also encourages this decision.
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A holistic approach to solar-supported energy supply systems
In various studies, the product and installation quality of solar thermal systems has been analysed in
existing plants. Thus, for example, 75 solar energy plants in Vorarlberg were examined and their
technical condition evaluated (Schlader, 2002). 25% of the plants were in perfect condition, 50%
revealed slight problems and the remaining 25% of the plants displayed considerable technical defects
which had an impact on the plant’s operational efficiency.
It is probable that these results are not only true of Vorarlberg (Austria) but can be applied to other
Austrian federal states in a corresponding manner. It does, however, have to be said that this result is
not specific to solar thermal systems but rather describes the prevalent planning and installation
quality of conventional heating systems as well. In contrast to conventional heating plants, however,
solar thermal systems are subjected to tests and measurements of this kind. Experience shows,
moreover, that as a result of testing solar thermal systems it was also frequently possible to detect
defects in conventional heating supply systems which would otherwise not have been discovered. In
many cases this led to the first attempts at defining holistic solar-supported heating networks.
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